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Two mountain bikers head up a small dirt trail surrounded by greenery

Polecat Reserve

The Polecat Trail system was developed in 2007. It contains over 7 miles of winding single track trails that offer outstanding views of the Treasure Valley as well as the Boise ridgeline. Trails in this area cross through lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the City of Boise. Please stay only on system trails. The Polecat Reserve trails are excellent beginner trails for mountain bikers, due to their relatively easy grades.

Dogs must remain on-leash at all times on all Polecat Reserve trails to protect populations of the threatened Aase’s Onion as well as critical wildlife found in the area.

Wildlife abound in Polecat Gulch, where it is not uncommon to see deer or coyotes, as well as birds such as quail, hawks and eagles.

There are several loop options in Polecat Reserve, the longest being the 5.8 mile Polecat Loop Trail #81. This loop follows numerous finger ridges on the west side of the Reserve, before looping back through the Polecat drainage and returning via a traverse high above Cartwright Road.

Those wanting a shorter loop option can combine a portion of the Polecat Loop Trail with either Doe Ridge Trail #82 or Quick Draw Trail #83.

Special Trail Management Strategy: Polecat Loop #81Directional – All trail users are required to travel in the same direction. Users will travel counterclockwise through 2023.

This change to the direction of travel has been implemented based on user feedback. Should feedback continue to indicate user support, the direction of Polecat Loop will change annually.

Please note, the first half-mile of the trail from the Polecat Trailhead on Collister Drive is multi-directional to provide an out-and-back experience at Polecat Reserve. In addition, the short section of Polecat Loop from Cartwright Trailhead to the lower Doe Ridge Trail junction will also be multi-directional to allow for shorter loops on the north side of the reserve.

This change is being implemented based on feedback received during the pilot.

Trailhead Parking

Parking is available for 12 cars at the Cartwright Trailhead on Cartwright Road, .25-miles east of its junction with Pierce Park Road. The Polecat Gulch - Collister Trailhead, located at the end of Collister Road, includes a 15-stall gravel parking lot and a vault toilet.